Whether you’re a chef, a food blogger, or just like to eat and travel, the world is your oyster when it comes to gastronomy. If you’re a foodie, this bucket list will be perfect for you!
There is no better way to explore new cultures and corners of the world than literally tasting the culture. Every country has its own culture and stories.
The best stories are told through a world of flavor. Pizza is always great, we can all agree, but there is a lot more to be discovered out there.
We are talking about places that are not so mainstream which can open a whole different world of flavors for you. The best thing is that your next foodie adventure won’t break your bank because we made a special selection for you.
While we were amidst the pandemic, we could’ve only dreamt of exotic travels and exotic foods. Maybe experiment with some dishes at home and hope for the best.
Now when things seem to get back to normal, it is great to start planning your next foodie trip.
The Ultimate Foodie Bucket List
Why Should You Create a Food Bucket List?
Well, the planet Earth is the only place in the known universe where food is always a crucial part.
We assume that we won’t get to see Elon Musk opening the first restaurant on Mars, so the best thing we can do is to explore this little universe of delights.
Your foodie bucket list should contain visiting places far away, perfecting your home-cooked meals, and leveling up in your cocktail game.
So, traveling is crucial because there you will find neverending inspiration for your cooking experiments.
Colombo
Colombo is a city in Sri Lanka that is known for its incredible food. It is also the cheapest city for foodies, according to the World Foodie Cities Index.
The city has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and food stalls that offer a wide range of cuisines.
Some of the most popular dishes in Colombo include kottu roti, a dish made with chopped roti bread and meats, eggs, or vegetables. The next honorable mention is lamprais, a rice and meat dish that is wrapped in banana leaves.
If you love coconut and everything about it, try coconut sambal, a spicy coconut salad. Colombo is also home to some of the most famous restaurants such as the Ministry of Crab and Nihonbashi.
The city also hosts the Culinary Art Food Expo which attracts chefs from all over the world.
If you’re looking for an incredible culinary experience, Colombo is the place to be. The city’s wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and food stalls offer something for everyone.
So, channel your inner Christopher Colombus and embark on a new foodie adventure.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and is a city that is rich in culture and history. The city is also home to some of the best foods in the world.
It is a unique mix between Tibetan and Indian food, but you can also feel the impacts of other cultures as well. So, it is basically an amalgamation of everything exquisite.
If you are a foodie, then Kathmandu is definitely a city that you should add to your bucket list.
Some of the best Nepali foods that you can try in Kathmandu include momos, dal bhat, and sel roti. Momos are steamed dumplings that are typically filled with meat or vegetables.
Dal bhat is a rice and lentil dish that is often served with curried vegetables. Sel roti is a type of Nepali bread that is made from rice flour and fried in ghee.
In addition to great food, Kathmandu is also a beautiful city to explore.
Some of the must-see sights include Durbar Square, Boudhanath Temple, and Swayambhunath Temple. You will feel like you are in a completely different universe if you decide to visit any of these sites.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a foodie paradise. There are so many delicious things to eat, and the city is full of amazing restaurants. There is something for everyone in Ho Chi Minh City, from street food to fine dining.
One of the best things about Ho Chi Minh City is that you can find great food at any price. Whether you want to save money or splurge, you’ll be able to find something to suit your budget.
When you are visiting this amazing city in Vietnam, the first thing you need to try is com tam. This meal contains rice, meats, eggs, and shredded pork skins… so, there is something on the plate for everyone’s taste.
If you are obsessed with noodles, you will have a lot to look forward to. Best soups with the tastiest homemade noodles await. Just try hu tieu or pho…and thank us later.
If you’re curious about trying new things, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect place for you. There are so many different dishes to try, and you’ll never get bored of the food here.
From traditional Vietnamese cuisine to fusion dishes, there’s something for everyone in Ho Chi Minh City.
Paris
Paris is a city that is well-known for its food. Even the simplest of foods are becoming little culinary masterpieces in France.
Everything there is cheesy, buttery, melty goodness, from dishes to sweets. There are many different types of cuisine to try in Paris, from French food to international cuisine.
Therefore, an absolute must is to try all kinds of cheese and wines there to get into the mood for something even more delicious.
You can’t miss trying the famous onion soup or Bœuf bourguignon. If you want something sweet, go for a chocolate souffle. Light and airy yet rich and luscious, you will spoil yourself with this goodness in no time.
There are so many different types of food to try, and you’re sure to find something that you’ll love. Whether you’re looking for French food or international cuisine, you’ll be able to find it in Paris.
Belgrade
This city is home to some of the best Serbian cuisine in the world. It is also one of the cheapest cities in the world. That’s why it should definitely be your next stop.
You’ll find traditional dishes like ćevapi or sarma, as well as modern takes on Serbian classics. And, of course, no trip to Belgrade would be complete without trying some of the city’s famous rakija.
In addition to incredible food, Belgrade also has a thriving nightlife scene. There are countless bars and clubs to choose from. Belgrade also has a number of excellent museums and art galleries. It is the city that never sleeps.
Budapest
Budapest is a city that is rich in culture and history. The food scene in Budapest is no different. There are many traditional dishes to try, as well as international cuisine.
If you are looking for an adventure, then Budapest is the place for you. There are many different food tours available that will allow you to sample the best of what the city has to offer.
Traditional Hungarian cuisine is all about delicious and spicy home-cooked meals. Goulash or fisherman’s soup tastes amazing.
If you have a sweet tooth – a famous chimney cake can be the perfect sweet snack on the go while you are exploring this amazing city.
If you are a fan of wine, then you will be happy to know that Budapest is home to many different vineyards. You can take a tour of the vineyards or even go on a wine tasting tour.
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is a great city for foodies. The city has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, serving both traditional Croatian cuisine and international dishes.
There are also many markets and food stalls selling local produce and specialties.
When it comes to some signature Croatian dishes, there is a little thing called ‘’ispod peke’’ and you need to try it. It is a simple dish, meat combined with potatoes, but the secret lies in the preparation process.
You will need to see for yourself. Medjumurska gibanica is perfect if you crave something sweet, yet you are unsure if you want something creamy or crunchy. You will get everything neatly packed in one cube of flavor.
Zagreb is known for its excellent coffee. There are many cafes serving delicious coffee, and some of them even offer specialty coffees from different parts of the world.
The city is also home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, including Noel, Agava, and Takenoko. These restaurants offer an unforgettable dining experience and are definitely worth checking out if you’re a true foodie.
Overall, Zagreb is an excellent city for foodies. There’s something for everyone, from traditional Croatian cuisine to specialty coffees and Michelin-starred restaurants.
If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, Zagreb is the perfect place to visit.
Prague
Prague is a city that should be on every foodie’s bucket list. The city is home to a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and markets, all of which offer something unique and delicious.
Some of the must-try dishes in Prague include traditional Czech dishes like svíčková na smetaně (beef sirloin in cream sauce), karbanátek (grilled pork sandwiches), and goulash.
For those with a sweet tooth, Prague also has a lot to offer, from trdelník (chimney cake) to sladké buchty (sweet buns).
In addition to its great food, Prague is also home to some of the best beer in the world. The city is home to many breweries, both big and small, that offer a variety of different styles of beer.
There are also a number of bars and pubs that are perfect for enjoying a cold pint.
Overall, Prague is a city that should definitely be on any foodie’s radar. From traditional Czech dishes to delicious sweets, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And with its great selection of beer, it’s the perfect place to be.
Krakow
Krakow is quickly establishing itself as a must-visit destination in Europe, and its food scene is a big part of that.
Krakow is known for its pierogi (Polish dumplings). Pierogi has been around since the 13th century and they come with a wide variety of fillings.
Be sure to try zapiekanka, a type of street food made with grilled mushrooms, cheese, and ketchup on top of a baguette.
So, basically a predecessor of pizza. For something sweet, try obwarzanek krakowski, a kind of pretzel covered in sugar and cinnamon.
These only seem complicated to pronounce, but you will learn how to do them as soon as you try them.
Krakow is a city in Poland that is known for its culinary traditions. The city is home to many excellent restaurants that serve traditional Polish cuisine.
From traditional Polish cuisine to delicious bakeries and cafes, there is something for everyone in this city.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a city that is absolutely brimming with culinary delights. There is something to suit every taste, whether you’re looking for traditional Turkish dishes or something a little more experimental.
The city is home to some of the best kebabs in the world, as well as delicious street foods such as kofte, kebabs, or pide.
And of course, no visit to Istanbul would be complete without trying the famous Turkish coffee. Turkey is the bridge between Europe and Asia so it represents a unique mix of Orient and Western civilization, in the best possible way.
If you’re a fan of seafood, you’ll be in heaven in Istanbul. The city’s seafood restaurants serve up some of the freshest and most delicious seafood you’ll ever taste.
Oslo
Oslo is a great city for foodies. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, ranging from traditional Norwegian cuisine to more famous international dishes.
Yet, Oslo is an expensive city for foodies… but it definitely means that they do something right.
When you are in Oslo, we definitely recommend trying lutefisk, herrings, meatballs, and prawns. No matter if you simply love the seafood or delicious meaty dishes, you will find everything you need in Oslo.
Some of the best places to eat in Oslo include the restaurant Maaemo, which has two Michelin stars. For something a little cheaper, try the restaurant Kontrast.
Oslo is also home to several food festivals held throughout the year. Matstreif Food Festival is held every May and features over 200 vendors selling everything from seafood to sweets.
If you’re a foodie, Oslo is definitely worth a visit. You’ll find plenty of great places to eat and drink, as well as some really amazing dishes to try out.
Conclusion
To conclude, we hope that you get to visit one of these 11 perfect cities for your inner foodie! However, if you’re looking to stay in the USA, check out our guide of food-lover places to go in the United States!
